Games on July 11
(Philsports Arena)
9:30 p.m. – PetroGazz vs Farm Fresh
12 noon – Cignal vs Foton
4 p.m. – Akari vs Chery Tiggo
6:30 p.m. – Choco Mucho vs F2 Logistics

Choco Mucho took sole possession of the top spot in Pool B, while PLDT spoiled Faith Nisperos’ debut by sweeping Akari in the Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference at the Filoil EcoOil Centre yesterday.

Sisi Rondina continued to shine as the Flying Titans secured their second consecutive victory with a dominant 25-19, 25-19, 25-14 triumph over Foton.

Led by Dell Palomata’s outstanding performance, the High Speed Hitters defeated the Chargers 25-15, 25-19, 25-22 in the Pool A match.

In her second game for Choco Mucho, Rondina delivered an impressive performance, contributing 19 points with 15 successful attacks and three blocks, while also recording six digs. Cherry Nunag and Des Cheng added 12 and 10 points, respectively, while Cait Viray chipped in with seven points for the Flying Titans, who have yet to drop a set in the early stages of the conference.

Choco Mucho coach Dante Alinsunurin expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance after two matches.

“We are extremely happy with the result,” said Alinsunurin. “With our victory today, we are gradually learning how to win because this is what we really want to achieve. It’s really a step-by-step process. We need to win and improve in each game. We want to execute all our training plans for the match. It’s important that our success rate increases with what we’re doing.”

Palomata displayed efficiency, landing 10 out of 20 spikes and contributing three blocks to finish as the match’s top scorer with 14 points. Jovie Prado added 13 points and nine digs, while Mich Morente recorded three service aces for an 11-point effort for PLDT.

Nisperos registered five points in her first professional game, but the Chargers failed to take advantage of the absence of key players from the High Speed Hitters, namely Mika Reyes (shoulder) and Mean Mendrez (knee).

“I’m very happy that we started off well and won,” said PLDT coach Rald Ricafort. “But there are still areas we need to work on, and we will prepare for our upcoming games during this VNL week.”

Royse Tubino, making her debut for the High Speed Hitters, contributed eight points, while Jessey de Leon, filling in for Reyes, made the most of her opportunity with eight points as well.

Despite missing some of the college standouts they were targeting, Ricafort remains optimistic about PLDT’s competitiveness.

“Although we weren’t able to recruit UAAP players, it’s very important that we acquired Royse [Tubino] because she fills in the gaps we need,” said Ricafort.

Dindin Santiago-Manabat and Trisha Genesis led Akari with 10 and nine points, respectively.

The Tornadoes, who now hold a 0-2 record in their group, kept the second set close before the Flying Titans pulled away and never looked back in the third.

Shaya Adorador led Foton with 10 kills, while Jaila Atienza contributed four of her eight points through blocks.

(ai/mnm)